Homes in Roscommon still without power following Storm Floris
Over 10,000 homes and businesses lost power when the storm swept across the west coast of Ireland with gusts of up to 100kmh.
Mr Fitzmaurice said that power lines which had been installed in his constituency six months ago had been flattened again by what he called 'a mere blow of wind'.
'This is not acceptable,' he said. 'People who were left without power for 15 or 16 days during the last storm are now suffering again after a mere blow of wind. It is disgusting.'
The Independent Ireland TD has called on Minister Darragh O'Brien to issue a 'clear instruction on tree cutting', claiming that insufficient tree-cutting near power lines was at the root of the problem.
Trees can only be felled by those who possess a tree felling license – except in cases where a tree poses a road safety hazard. Numerous trees were felled around the country following Storm Éowyn back in January in the interests of road safety.
Mr Fitzmaurice called on Minister O'Brien to issue direct instructions to the ESB to remove all trees near power lines.
'They must be taken out. It's that simple, whatever the distance is required, get it done to put an end to this once and for all,' said Mr Fitzmaurice.
'It's way past time that a stop is put to this codswallop. Get out there and cut them trees and this will not happen again.
'It is sickening to see new power lines that were only put up six months ago flattened again today. When are we going to cop on as a country and put people before everything else?'
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